Audley End House near Saffron Walden to welcome singing star Louisa Johnson as part of series of summer concerts
Since becoming the youngest winner of X Factor at the age of 17 in 2015, Louisa Johnson has been one of the long-running TV talent show’s best success stories
While other contestants have had mixed fortunes after appearing on the programme, Louisa has enjoyed a string of hit singles and worked with the likes of Olly Murs and Clean Bandit.
Louisa, who will be on a star-studded bill with Ella Eyre and Jess Glynne at Audley End House on Saturday, July 14, spoke to the Cambridge Independent while on her way to the studio.
“I’ve been writing quite a bit, actually,” she said. “I’m kind of taking a bit of a step back and going into the studio a lot more and writing my own stuff – which is really exciting because I’ve got a lot to talk about and a lot of experiences that I want to share with people.”
Louisa, 20, continues: “I was always really scared to go into the studio and write about my own life, but I think it’s really important to and it has been fun because you can connect to the songs a lot more.”
Unlike many TV talent show winners, Louisa didn’t rush-release a debut album on the back of her victory, and there is still no release date for it.
“As I’ve said so many times, I really want to make sure that my first album is the best it can be,” she says. “I don’t want to rush anything, and I’ve changed a lot in the past few years so I just want to make sure that when it is released I’m happy with every single thing that’s on it.
“I want to make sure that it’s amazing and just how I want it to be.”
Songwriting collaborators for the new record include electronic duo One Bit and, as well as working away in the studio, Louisa has also been performing at festivals and doing a few Pride gigs.
“I’ve got a few collaborations that will be on the album,” she says, “which is very exciting. But I can’t really say much more than that – I don’t want to give it away.”
On the upcoming Audley End gig, Louisa says: “I’ve never been there so I’m really looking forward to it. These kind of shows are always my favourite because it’s out in the open and everyone’s in a really good vibe.”
Louisa has met Ella Eyre before, but not Jess Glynne. “I’m looking forward to meeting her – she’s doing amazing at the moment, so hopefully I’ll be able to take a bit of advice from her.”
The artist also cites Whitney Houston as a major influence. “I grew up listening to all her music,” she recalls, “and that’s why I love doing power ballads. She’s definitely the biggest inspiration of mine, but then also Beyoncé – I’m really drawn to big ballad singers.
“But at the same time, at the moment in the charts there are so many different genres of music all moulded into one, which I think is really inspiring.”
Tickets: £63.25 for adults and £46.75 for children under 14. Box office: ticketline.co.uk/heritage-live-concerts.